OUR MISSION

The mission of the International Institute of SPORT (IIOS) is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in the less economically developed countries worldwide.

WHO WE ARE

We are a non-profit advocating for the disabled in areas of public access, education, integration, job skills, physical rehabilitation, therapeutic recreation and disaster relief. We are educators, artists, administrators and professionals. We are also networkers and are grateful for our partners.

WHAT WE DO

We engage children and adults in art projects geared to developing an understanding of disability. We help rehabilitate and train disabled athletes for the Paralympics. We help disabled people become employees and business owners. We provide art supplies, medical supplies and mobility devices. We represent disabled artists in the world art market. We advocate for the disabled in business and government affairs to help secure access to jobs and transportation.

Amputee Soccer

Coverage on Dallas/Fort Worth TV Fox 4 - December 12, 2014

The Haitian Amputee National Soccer Team was featured on Dallas/Fort Worth television station Fox 4.

Thank you message from Dr. Fred Sorrells - December 9, 2014

Dr. Fred Sorrells gives a shout out to the people who helped make the Haiti Amputee Football world cup tour a success.

Haiti Loses to Turkey 3-9 - December 5, 2014

With some sadness but with great pride Haiti's World Cup run has ended.

Haiti lost to a very good Turkish National Team of full-time professionals. Haiti was able to hold Turkey to a small 1-0 lead most of of the game, but lost 3-0 in the end.

We are so proud of Haiti's historic run as they made the quarter finals for the very first time.

Haiti Defeats Italy 2-1 - December 4, 2014

Haiti continued it's historic run by beating Italy in the Round of 16 in triple overtime in sudden death penalty kicks in one of the greatest games ever played in Amputee World Cup history!

Haiti Loses to Russia 6-1 - December 2, 2014

The Haiti National Amputee Football Team lost to Russia 6-1, but advanced to the 2nd round of the World Cup for the first time in history.

Photo is the walking of the flags of Haiti and Russia prior to the match.

Haiti Defeats Kenya 2-0 - December 1, 2014

The Haiti National Amputee Football (soccer) Team defeated Kenya in their second match at the 2014 Mexico World Cup of Amputee Football.

Here the Haiti team is pictured greeting the Kenya team after the national anthems.

Haiti Defeats Germany 2-0 - November 30, 2014

Haiti played with amazing speed to take control of their first game at the 2014 World Cup of Amputee Football (soccer) and beat Germany 2-0. They demonstrated enough firepower to be considered among the top teams of the tournament.

The game was decided in the first half, with two top notch goals.
The first goal came at the eleven minutes on a free kick by Francois Makendy and nine minutes later Lousiene Sandy sealed the game.

Training for the Mexico 2014 World Cup - November 13, 2014

The Haiti National Amputee Football (soccer) Team arrived in Dallas, TX, on midnight, November 13, 2014, to begin final preparations for the 2014 Mexico World Cup of Amputee Football.

Documentary Film Website Launched - November 1, 2014

The International Institute of SPORT is working with a team of experienced professionals to create a feature-length documentary that will follow a group of Haitian disabled athletes on their journey to secure a spot on the Haitian National Amputee Football Team, then earn a berth in the 2014 Mexico World Cup of Amputee Football.

The film is called Pursuit of Hope, and a website about the documentary film was launched on November 1, 2014, to help raise funds for the documentary production and for the Haitian team as they train and participate in the world cup.

The website thepursuitofhope.com includes a trailer, photo gallery and other video content. We also launched a Facebook page for at www.facebook.com/pursuitofhope to document the Haitian world cup tour and the making of the film. Please visit both sites and share the Facebook page with your friends.

Promoting Amputee Soccer to Africa - September 1, 2012

Dr. Fred Sorrells met with members of the Paralympics delegations from Liberia, Niger and the Comoros Islands to discuss bringing amputee soccer into those countries.

Amputee soccer has enormous potential to lift people with disabilities out of poverty and literally out of the grave into the mainstream of society.

Daniel Hernandez Community Soccer Clinic at TJC
December 18, 2010

Dr. Fred Sorrells, President of IIOS, along with Haitian amputee soccer player Francillon Chery visited Tyler, Texas, on Saturday, December 18. They participated in the Daniel Hernandez 1st Annual Christmas Community Soccer Clinic at Tyler Junior College.

Haitian Men's Amputee National Team Visits USSA
December 14, 2010

This article and photo was provided by the United States Sports Academy and is also available at the USSA website.

During a trip organized by Dr. Fred Sorrells, the President of the International Institute of Sport (IIOS), the Haitian Men's Amputee National team visited the United States Sports Academy on Tuesday, 14 December.

Sorrells helped put Haiti's amputee soccer team together after an earthquake devastated the country earlier this year. He was seeking a therapeutic way to help the disabled in Haiti when he discovered the Amputee World Cup being held in Argentina.

The soccer team gained international recognition when they competed in the Amputee World Cup in October, despite not winning the championship. With only a month of training before the first championship game, the world marveled at their pure athletic ability and sheer determination.

The team is now touring America to spread their message --- that those who face disabilities are capable of great things, if given the chance.

Pictured below is the Haiti Amputee Soccer Team posed with Dr. Fred Sorrells (right). The team is in need of dental work (extractions and fillings), so we are seeking Texas dentists who are willing to donate their much needed services. Please contact us by email if you can help.

The Haiti Amputee Soccer Team with Dr. Fred Sorrells

Disability Awareness Game in Harker Heights, Texas
November 23, 2010

Harker Heights Parks and Recreation – Adaptive Sports in conjunction with Tri-County Soccer Club will host the Haitian Amputee National Soccer Team in a disability awareness game.

Game of heart: Haitian amputees coming to Bell County
November 21, 2010

By Mason W. Canales
Killeen Daily HeraldKilleen, TX
November 21, 2010

HARKER HEIGHTS — An international amputee soccer team will make a stop Tuesday in Harker Heights to help raise awareness about disabilities and adaptive sports.

The Haitian amputee soccer team, which competed in the Amputee World Cup just months ago, will play a match with the Tri-County Soccer Club's Cavalry 93 Black team. They will be coming on the field fresh off the basketball court after playing the Harker Heights Hustlers in wheelchair basketball.

"We are just looking forward to interacting with Bell County," Dr. Fred Sorrells said. "We are very supportive of the adaptive program that Joe (Brown) is leading."

Sorrells, the founder and president of the International Institute of SPORT, helped put Haiti's amputee soccer team together after an earthquake devastated the country earlier this year. He was seeking a therapeutic way to help the disabled in Haiti when he discovered the Amputee World Cup.

Soccer players from Haiti have a big goal
November 17, 2010

An international soccer match doesn’t happen in Austin very often, but the one just played on the state Capitol grounds was more than just unusual, it was inspiring.

Players from Haiti took time to play with local players in a friendly match Tuesday, but they know there will be stiffer competition ahead.

"I have a lot ahead of me now because we're preparing to go to Japan in 2012 for the next world cup. So, it's been the most magnificent thing that I can imagine that’s happened to me," Haitian soccer player Emmanuel Ladouceur said.

Not long ago, Ladouceur faced an earthquake that devistated Haiti and forever changed his world.

"I lost my parents, and I didn’t have any way to support myself," Ladouceur said.

Now, his support comes on the soccer field, as a member of the National Haitian Amputee Soccer Team.

They're touring America to make it clear that those who face disabilities are capable of great things, if given the chance.

Haitian amputees score hope on the soccer field
November 16, 2010

When a massive earthquake hit Haiti in January, 23-year-old Francois MacKewdy was buried under a mountain of rubble in the T-shirt factory where he worked. When rescuers reached him the next day, they couldn't pull him out because of a large post pinning his left leg. So they had to cut him out.

For two hours, rescuers tried to amputate his leg with a knife and saw, but they had to stop constantly during the many aftershocks. In the end, MacKewdy had to finish the grim work himself.

"I knew my life was over," he said.

In the weeks after the earthquake, Dr. Fred Sorrells, president of the Arlington-based International Institute of SPORT, was putting together a soccer team of Haitian amputees that he hoped would compete in the Amputee Soccer World Cup. Organizers spotted MacKewdy on the streets of Port-au-Prince and asked him to try out.

Twelve year old leg amputee scores in first game
November 12, 2010

Twelve year old leg amputee Mabeth Diaz from Cosmos FC first division-North Dallas participated in an amputee soccer demonstration with the Haiti national amputee soccer team in San Marcos Friday, November 12.

Amputee Soccer Team from Haiti Restores Hope
November 8, 2010

MESA, Ariz. - Athletes from Haiti who lost limbs but survived the country’s devastating earthquake are proving they are fighters.

The Haiti amputee soccer team is in the valley for a scrimmage game, and is encouraging people not to forget about Haiti.

The team played a scrimmage at Mesa Community College. It was a chance to get the players on their feet, both physically and emotionally.

Francois Mackendy is one of three players on the Haitian National Amputee soccer team. He lost a limb in the Haiti earthquake.

“I was working in a t-shirt factory,” says Mackendy [though a translator]. “I was supposed to get off work at 5 o’clock and at 4:53 the earthquake happened.”

A cement post fell on Mackendy’s leg, trapping him.

“I stayed there throughout the night. The next day some friends of mine knew I was missing so they came and began to call my name.”

When they found Mackendy, they couldn’t get him out.

“They went they found a knife, they found a saw they began to do what they could to remove my leg so I could get out of that building…and I thank God because they were some Christian people and they had compassion upon me,” he says.

“They were trying to cut and in the end I actually had to cut my leg myself. It was amazing that I didn’t pass out, I was still conscious when all of this was taking place.”

After his amputation, Mackendy almost gave up. “I thought my life was finished,” he says. But the love of the game brought him back to life.

“It’s helped me because now I’m a part of a family. My amputee soccer team, I’ve been with them now several weeks, and they’re like my family they care for me they pray for me so now I feel like I’m really beginning to have a life again.”

Haitian amputee soccer team visits the Valley
November 6, 2010

By Aldo Vazquez - Nov. 6, 2010
Cronkite News

Arizona played host to Haiti as members of the Haitian amputee soccer team practiced in Mesa this past weekend.

Haitian amputee soccer team plays in Mesa
November 6, 2010

By Alyson Zepeda - Nov. 6, 2010 07:55 PM
The Arizona Republic

Mackendy Francois lost his left leg in the devastating Haiti earthquake in January, but not his love for playing soccer.

The 23-year-old Haitian has been playing since he was five years old. With a set of forearm crutches, the right fullback hit the field again to show off his skills Saturday at the Quail Run Sports Complex in Mesa.

Francois is one of fifteen players on the Haiti National Amputee Soccer Team and one of three teammates who lost a limb in the earthquake.

The team represented Haiti for the first time in the Amputee World Cup held in Argentina last month. They lost every game. But even with only a month of training before the championship, supporters say they gave veteran teams like Russia a run for their money, holding the three-time champions to 7-0.

Haiti Amputee Soccer Scrimmage in Mesa, AZ
November 6, 2010

The Haitian National Amputee Soccer Team held a public practice and scrimmage at Quail Run Sports Complex in Mesa, AZ today.

Phoenix Pro Soccer & IIOS partnered with the City of Mesa, who provided the facility to assist in showcasing the sport and the project to the Phoenix Area.

There was extensive media coverage at the event from local and regional TV, The Arizona Republic, and the AP, who all came out to assist in garnering exposure for the team.

The highlight of the day was when local residents Heather and Jason Goracke, who recently adopted Evens from a Haitian orphanage that was destroyed by the earthquake in January, brought out their son to spend time with the team. The team bonded with the boy and he enjoyed spending time with all of the guys during the session.

Leaders in the Phoenix amputee support community also were in attendance and were amazed at the teams tenacity, heart, and dedication and are very interested in working with IIOS to help build the sport in the Phoenix Metro area.

Haitian amputee soccer team playing in Valley
November 5, 2010

By Angie Holdsworth - Nov. 5, 2010 07:55 PM
The Arizona Republic

MESA, AZ - A soccer team visiting the Valley is hoping to inspire others, despite having to overcome tremendous tragedy in their own lives.

The Haitian Amputee Soccer Team will participate in several activities over the next several days. The team was formed after the January earthquake with the help of the International Institute of Sports and Phoenix Pro Soccer.

“None of these guys were professional soccer players before,” said Dr. Fred Sorrells with the IIS. “But when you watch them play it is like they’ve been playing all their lives.”

Haiti Amputee Soccer Team Phoenix Tour
November 5, 2010

The Haitian National Amputee Soccer team continued their tour of Phoenix, Arizona, and took in a Phoenix Suns game tonight.

They got to see an incredible game as the Suns won a thriller in double overtime!! The guys were the stars of the pre game show on Fox Sports Arizona and Cesar (our double arm amputee) hit a three for the cameras! It was a great segment, Tom Chambers and Tom Leander gave the guys some great kudo!! The team was announced on the jumbotron
after the 2nd quarter break.

After the game while they were leaving, they were again rock stars!! They met a number of people and Haitians that might be coming to watch their scrimmage and training Saturday morning.

Haiti Amputee Soccer Demonstration at Dallas VA
November 2, 2010

The Haiti Amputee Soccer Team will provide a soccer demonstration on Tuesday, November 2, at the Dallas VA in the SCI Multipurpose Gym from 10AM-1PM.

Haiti Amputee Soccer Team Plays Wounded Warriors
October 29, 2010

Candidate for Congress in the 20th District of Texas, Clayton Trotter, took four of his youngest children to meet the Haitian Amputee Soccer team Friday at the Star Soccer fields in San Antonio. The Soccer team also met the Wounded Warriors from BAMC at Fort Sam Houston. Afterwards, the Wounded Warriors and Haitian soccer team played a game and had lunch together. Clayton Trotter adopted three Haitian children this year.

Exhibit to Raise Funds for the Haiti Amputee Soccer Team
November 5 - November 28, 2010

Throughout the month of November, 2010, the International Institute of SPORT will be exhibiting CHAOTICA by Texas artist Don Bristow and works on canvas by disabled artists Herold Alvarez, John Paul Joseph, Eder Romeus and Ken N'gan'ga at the Arlington Art Museum in Arlington, Texas.

The exhibit is named Art Lifts Handicapped People opens Friday, November 5, at the Arlington Art Museum, with a reception from 6-9PM.

50% of the proceeds from the sale of CHAOTICA will help to cover expenses for the Haiti Amputee Soccer Team World Cup Tour, while the proceeds from the sales of art by our disabled artists will benefit those artists.

Haitian Amputees Find Hope in Soccer
October 29, 2010

Despite Loss to Iran, Fans Embrace Haitian Team
October 21, 2010

The Haiti team played their first match of the consolation round against Iran at Viale Foot Ball Club in Viale, Argentina in front of a pro-Haitian crowd of almost 4000.

Haiti played a hard fought match but couldn't overcome their lack of experience as they lost 3-0.

The teams double arm amputee goalkeeper, Cesar, made his World Cup debut in the 2nd half and played solidly, despite a defensive breakdown that caused a goal.

After the match, the team spent a lot of time with the fans, especially the children, who have embraced this team as their own.

Haiti Falls to Skillful Russia
October 19, 2010

Haiti fell tonight to the experienced and skillful Russian squad this evening 7-0 in Viale, Argentina. The Russians displayed a total game, with skilled precision passing, ball control, and a very capable attack that the young Haiti team just couldn't contain.

The first half the Haitians tried to play a more defensive game, but the Russians broke the defense as the score at half was 3-0.

After half, with wholesale player substitutions, the Haiti team attempted to open up the match with a little more offensive mindset, however, this allowed the Russians more space and they definitely took advantage of it.

The pro-Haiti crowd at C.A. Arsenal Stadium was solidly behind the Haitian squad despite the final score.

Rick Hofmann, General Secretary of the World Amputee Football Association had this to say when he heard the score,
"Your rookies held Russia to 7 !!?? That's a phenomenal performance!" He went on to say, "Being together as short as time as you have, and this being your first real competition, you have no idea of how impressive a performance that is. Holding Russia to 7 in your first international competition. That's truly remarkable! They are, after all, three time World Cup Champions."

Their next match is against Iran in the first match of the Consolation Bracket on Wednesday.

Haiti Loses to Angola
October 18, 2010

In the second game in two days Haiti did not play well. The men are still learning to adapt to this high-pace world and the emotional ups and downs of competition, and we had to reassure that even the best teams in the world can lose 2-0 under these conditions. Considering that this was only their second game ever and that they have been playing for less than two months, we are proud of their performance.

Great Britain Amputee Football vs. Haiti Amputees at World Cup
October 17, 2010

MAFC2002 posted the following video and article by Michael Chambers about the first game ever played by the Haiti Amputee Football Team.

World Amputee Football Federation World Cup 2010. Great Britain Amputee Football v Haiti Amputees in the opening game of Group D at Viale de Arsenal stadium, Argentina. This was Haiti's first competitive game and the team showed great promise for the future, helped by a few months pre tournament training courtesy of FC Dallas (MLS). For GBAF it was a good, testing opening game and a great start to the tournament.

Haiti Loses First Match to England in Hard Fought Battle
October 17, 2010

The Haitian Amputee World Cup soccer team played its first-ever game against the powerful team of England at Arsenal Stadium in Viale, Argentina.

When the final whistle sounded, Haiti lost a hard fought battle vs Eng 2-1. The Haitians overcame early nerves & ended the half 0-0. Eng scored a goal early in the 2nd, and Haiti equalized on what the Argentines call a Golazo. Eng scored the winner about midway in the 2nd. The team played with heart, grit, & determination, …and they all “got stuck in”! After the 1st match, Haiti is 3rd in their group on goal differential.

The lone Haitian goal was scored by Gustave Denis, and even though he let in 2 goals, Emmanuel Ladouceur was great in goal. Considering this was the first competitive match that they have EVER played, and the first time that this team was all together on the pitch was on Aug 14th, their first match was an overwhelming success.

The Haitian team plays Angola at Viale FC Stadium on Monday at 9pm Local Time (6pm CST). We will post all developments and scores tomorrow.

Haiti Amputee Soccer Team Recieves Major Ovation
October 17, 2010

Dr. Fred Sorrells, October 17, 2010, 8:03AM

The first game for the Haiti Amputee Soccer Team will be against England tonight. The team received a major ovation when entering the Soccer Stadium in Crespo, and many people wanted their pictures taken with them.

The opening ceremony included a parade of the participating nations in their national
Uniforms. Speeches were given by the World Cup organizing committee, local dignitaries, and amputee soccer founder, American Don Bennett. In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the founding of amputee soccer, Bennett offered the Golden Foot trophy for the player who scores the most goals.
The opening ceremony concluded with the first match of the World Cup where powerhouse Argentina defeated first time tournament appearing Japan 8-0.

For the recently established Haiti amputee soccer team, the opening ceremony game provided the first opportunity to view an actual amputee soccer game. "I was totally concentrating on the game!" remarked Haitian striker Donald Renfort.

Renfort came to join the Haiti national soccer team through an interesting set of circumstances. During a June visit to Haiti to help establish the amputee soccer team, IIOS president Dr. Fred Sorrells was walking through a Port-au-Prince neighborhood. Haitian-American Thecy Faustin, who was operating a non-profit counseling service in the neighborhood, mistakenly took Sorrells for an American Catholic priest doing relief work. After clarifying his identity as a therapeutic recreation specialist, Sorrells explained that he was inviting amputees to a try out session for the national amputee soccer team. Faustin excitedly exclaimed that her nephew, Donald Renfort, was playing for a major soccer club in Haiti when he was struck by a car and lost his leg three years ago. She felt sure that he would excel in amputee soccer.

Communications are not easy in earthquake ravaged Haiti, and it took several weeks to locate Renfort. When he finally made it to the try-outs, Renfort's natural soccer abilty impressed national team coach, Andre Pacombe. During the final selection of the national team players lead by IIOS VP for Soccer Operations, Dr. Ed Sakiewicz, Renfort's tenanacity and "eyes on the goal" persistance secured his place on the team roster.

"I thought my life was finished after the accident. Thanks to Dr. Sorrells I have my life back again," stated Renfort as he flashed a mile wide smile, "and we are going to win the World Cup!"

Haiti Amputee Soccer Team Arrives in Argentina
October 16, 2010

Not long after arriving in Argentina, Dr. Fred Sorrells, President of IIOS, wrote, "It's cold here! Our athletes were not prepared. A clothing shop owner here in Viale donated sweaters and caps to the team. We are hosted by the Viale Soccer Club and the reception has been very cordial. The team has a 9 am practice and will have a technical session with the British team this afternoon on the official field."

At right, the Haiti Amputee Soccer Team has breakfast on Saturday morning before practice.

Funds are desperately needed to cover the expenses already incurred by the Haiti Amputee Soccer World Cup Tour.

FRISCO, Texas – FC Dallas team captain Daniel Hernandez delivered cleats, training kits, goalkeeper gloves and the official match jerseys that the Haitian Men’s Amputee Soccer Team will wear during the World Cup of Amputee Soccer to the team at Pizza Hut Park Wednesday.

“We really appreciate FC Dallas hosting these people here,” Sierra Leone Amputee Soccer Association President Fuday Dumbuya said. “FC Dallas has given this team a lot of encouragement. It gives us great joy to be here in Dallas.”

Haitian Amputee Soccer Players to Display Abilities at World Cup Games
October 14, 2010

Andre Pacombe, head coach of the Haitian amputee soccer team, watches his players run drills at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco. The 13-man team will play in the 2010 Amputee Soccer World Cup this weekend.

"You are not here just to play," he said animatedly, in the team's native French. "You are here to show the world what you can do. You are here to give hope."

As the players rose and sprang back into action, the meaning of Pacombe's words became clear: The team materialized in incomplete form, abbreviated legs and arms protruding from the players' red uniforms. One man had no arms at all.

These 15 men are a sign not only of Haiti's rebirth in the wake of the January earthquake that killed 230,000 people but also of its progress. As members of Haiti's first entry in World Amputee Football's World Cup, they represent an inspiring advance for a nation that has historically shunned its citizens who have disabilities.

"In Haiti, amputees are often badly treated," said Patrick Peronel, 31, who lost his leg when he was hit by a car at age 12. Demonstrating that amputees can play soccer on a competitive level, he said, could bring fellow amputees the respect they deserve.

Observers Underwrite Air Fares to World Cup at the Last Hour!
October 12, 2010

Just an hour before time would run out, two gentlemen observing soccer practice at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas, decided to underwrite the air fares to Crespo, Argentina, for the Haiti Amputee Soccer Team.

The team will be leaving Dallas for Crespo on Thursday, October 14. Opening ceremonies for the World Cup of Amputee Football will be held on Saturday, October 16, and the Haiti delegation will be there!

We continue to need funds to cover the flight costs and many other expenses related to this project to help raise the quality of life for people with disabilities in Haiti.

Air Travel Reservations Made - Need Funds by 5PM Today
October 12, 2010

Funds are desperately needed to transport the Haiti Amputee Soccer Team to Crespo, Argentina for the World Cup of Amputee Soccer. We have flight reservations for Thursday, October 14. If you can help, please contact Dr. Fred Sorrells at 214-674-6196.

The Haitians have been practicing for months and are ready to represent their earthquake-ripped country in the World Cup. We are so close to getting them there. Please help us today!

Haitian Amputees Training in Frisco for World Cup
October 11, 2010

FRISCO — A group of soccer players is in Frisco, training for the pinnacle of their sport. But as crazy as it sounds, they've never played a single organized game.

The men are from earthquake-ravaged Haiti. They have come to Texas to fulfill a dream beyond their wildest imagination.

The team was formed only two months ago. Most of them are just beginning to learn the game. But on Saturday, they'll be in Argentina competing with the best in the world.

They are the first Haitian team to play for the World Cup of Amputee Soccer.

Every player has a powerful story. Three of them suffered horrific injuries when Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake in January.

Francois McKewdy was working in a T-shirt factory when the quake hit. He was trapped under heavy rubble.

"They handed me a saw, and I began to cut my own leg. And when the pain became unbearable, one of my friends finished cutting the leg," he said.

Arriel Valembrun lost his arm in the earthquake. Like all the players, he welcomes the challenge of overcoming his disability to compete with the world's best.

"Amputee soccer takes so much skill," he said. "Not having a limb as a goalkeeper or not having a leg as a fielder — it's incredibly difficult. We realize it's a huge challenge for us as we go to Argentina."

The team is serving as an inspiration to Haitians in a country where people with disabilities are often mistreated.

"People were shunned, spit upon, cast aside," said Fred Sorrells, president of the International Institute of Sport. "That's what so many people feared when they became disabled because of the earthquake."

The men who will compete for the World Cup are much more than just good soccer players; they are a symbol of the resiliency of the human spirit.

FC Dallas is hosting the Haitian team. On Tuesday morning, the visitors will spend some time with the MLS team at Pizza Hut Park. They will be in North Texas until Thursday, when they leave for the games in Argentina.

FRISCO, Texas (Oct. 11, 2010) – FC Dallas welcomed members of the Haitian Men’s Amputee Soccer Team to Pizza Hut Park today. The team arrived in Dallas Saturday evening to begin training for the World Cup of Amputee Soccer being held in Crespo, Argentina beginning Saturday, Oct. 16. FC Dallas will host Haitian Men’s Amputee Soccer Team through Thursday, Oct. 14.

Among the volunteers working to prepare the team for the upcoming World Cup are International Institute of SPORT President Dr. Fred Sorrells, Hunt Sports Group President John Wagner, President of the Sierra Leone Amputee Soccer Association Fuday Dumiaya and Haitian Men’s National Team Captain, Pierre Richard Bruny.

“We are so appreciative of Bruny,” Sorrells said. “He was here at Pizza Hut Park back in April for a fundraiser that benefitted the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Now he’s back as the head of delegation for the Haitian Men’s Amputee Soccer Team. He’s out on the field sharing his expertise. He’s a godsend and he’s perfect for this role because he has been there as a player and he knows what is required. He is out there making sure the team is mentally ready to play.”

The team, which was formed a little over two months ago, is just beginning to learn the game in which they will compete with the best in the world.

“They’ve never played an official game in their life and they’re going to the World Cup to face teams who have been together for years and years,” Sorrells said. “We feel like just going is such an inspiration to Haitians and to the world. Even in a tragedy like this, the resiliency of the human spirit remains.”

The team includes several players who suffered horrific injuries when Haiti was struck by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010.

“Every guy on our team has a story,” Sorrells said. “Over 300,000 people died in a matter of seconds, so any one of the players out here today could have been killed. By the grace of God they’re alive. Even though they may have an injury, they’re here.

Sorrells and the Haitian Amputee Soccer Team are in need of donations to support the transport of the Haitian Amputee Soccer Team to Crespo, Argentina for the World Cup of Amputee Soccer. People and organizations wishing to contribute to the cause can donate at www.iisport.org/help/donate.html or by calling (214) 674-6196.

Video featuring today’s training session and the live interview with Sorrells are available at www.FCDallas.com. Media wishing to speak to Haitian Amputee Soccer Team officials are welcome to contact media@iisport.org.

About the International Institute of SPORT

The International Institute of SPORT (IIOS) exists to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in the less economically developed countries. The International Institute of SPORT is a 501c3 non-profit organization. IIOS is operated by a staff of volunteers who care about people with disabilities. We receive donations from individuals, non-profit organizations and corporations. Our strategy consists of five areas of focus: Sport for the Disabled, Physical Well Being, Organization & Management, Research & Development, and Therapeutic Recreation.

Visas Obtained for the Haiti Amputee National Soccer Team
Funds Needed for Flight to World Cup - Friday, Oct. 8, 2010

Members of the Haiti Amputee Soccer Team now have their visas and will be flying to Dallas on Saturday morning. Training will start Monday at Pizza Hut Park and will run through Thursday morning.
On Thursday afternoon the team leaves for Argentina to compete for the World Cup of Amputee Soccer.

Funds for the round-trip air fares from Dallas to Argentina for the World Cup of Amputee Soccer have not been raised. The air fares will cost $1,450 for each member of the Haitian delegation, 19 people, and 4 people from the International Institute of SPORT. We need to raise $35,000 in 5 days. Please help us by making a donation online today.

PHOENIX (Tuesday, October 5, 2010) – Phoenix Pro Soccer and the International Institute of Sport (IIOS) are bringing the Phoenix-area sports community together for a charity auction benefiting the Haitian Amputee National Soccer Team. Major League Soccer memorabilia, tickets from professional sports teams, and other great items will be auctioned to support the team’s travels to Crespo, Argentina for the 2010 Amputee World Cup. Members of the Haitian National Amputee Team are expected to be in attendance**.

WHAT: A charity auction to benefit the Haitian National Amputee Soccer Team’s travels to compete in the Amputee World Cup in Crespo, Argentina being held Oct 16-27, 2010. Auction items include sports tickets, autographed soccer memorabilia, Haitian art, and much more. Buffalo Wild Wings will donate a portion of the evening’s proceeds for those who present an event flyer from 5pm-9pm. Flyers are available for download at www.phxprosoccer.com/haiti.

WHO: Members of the Haitian national amputee soccer team**, representatives of Phoenix Pro Soccer, the International Institute of Sport, and the Haitian Community.

**PPS/IIOS is currently working with Haitian and US officials and team member attendance will be dependent on pending immigration and visa approval**

Exhibit to Raise Funds for the Haiti Amputee Soccer Team
October 8 - October 30, 2010

Throughout the month of October, 2010, the International Institute of SPORT will be exhibiting CHAOTICA by Texas artist Don Bristow and works on canvas by disabled artists Herold Alvarez, John Paul Joseph, Eder Romeus and Ken N'gan'ga at the Fort Worth Community Art Center.

The exhibit is named Art Soulevant Les Personnes Handicapées, meaning Art Lifts Handicapped People.
The exhibit opens Friday, October 8, at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center, with a reception from 6-9PM.

50% of the proceeds from the sale of CHAOTICA will help to fund the Haiti Amputee Soccer Team World Cup Tour, while the proceeds from the sales of art by our disabled artists will benefit those artists.

Haitian Amputee Soccer Team Gets Passports
October 5, 2010

Members of the Haiti Amputee Soccer Team received their passports on Tuesday, October 5. This was a difficult process for some because many of the team members had lost everything in the earthquake. The next hurdle - visas.

IIOS Forms Haitian Amputee Soccer Team - August 30, 2010

In a press release dated August 30, 2010, the International Institute if SPORT announced the formation of the Haiti Amputee National Soccer Team and plans to compete in the 2010 Amputee Football World Cup.

Haiti Trip Report - August 12-19, 2010

The newly formed Haiti amputee soccer team is going to the World Cup of Amputee Soccer!

An IIOS delegation lead by IIOS president, Dr. Fred Sorrells arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on August 12 to assist the newly formed Haiti Amputee Football Association (HAFA) with the selection of the national team.

In addition to Dr. Sorrells, members of the IIOS contingent included Dr. Ed Sakiewicz, IIOS VP of Soccer Operations, Chris Campasano, IIOS Director of Soccer Operations, and David Sorrells, IIOS soccer intern.

Working alongside coaching staff and officials of HAFA, the delegation met members of the amputee community and began forming the amputee national soccer team. During a visit in July, Dr. Sorrells had helped to form the Haiti Amputee Football Association, and under association guidance, amputees were invited to participate in try-out sessions for the national team.

This was the first trip to a less economically developed country for Dr. Sakiewicz and Mr. Campasano. They were profoundly touched by their experience in Haiti and made the following comments.

Said Dr. Sakiewicz, "This is part of an amazing relief and healing effort for these wonderful athletes and the country of Haiti. To give these men a new and revived opportunity to play the game they love is simply awe-inspiring and a very humbling experience. I've already learned so much from these wonderful people and could not have imagined what they have gone through until I saw it up close and personal. Such destruction, such pain and such loss is very sobering and surreal. That said, I've committed much of my professional and personal life to helping this cause. If we can bring just one man and his family a small glimmer of hope and joy through the beautiful game of soccer we all love, I believe we've done our job. The smiles and hugs make it all worth while and receiving same from the children, even better. That's our reward."

According to Chris Campasano, "My trip to Haiti to work with these athletes is something that I will never forget! Every one of these men exhibited more strength, courage, effort, and dedication than almost any able bodied player I have ever worked with. Each one of these athletes have to live their daily lives with stark reminders of the death, destruction and agony that ravaged their country and personally affected each one of their lives. This program has given these amazing men so much hope, which is one thing that they couldn't even imagine was possible a few months earlier. I truly thought I would be going to Haiti to help these individuals, but they did more for me than I could have ever done for them! Every smile, embrace, and Thank You I received from the players is something that will be etched in my heart forever!"

David Sorrells grew up playing soccer in Madagascar and Zimbabwe. After working with the amputee soccer players for several days, David commented, “This experience has been life changing. In spite of the destruction, people are still so hopeful. The people are so amazing!” While continuing his sophomore year at Angelo State University this fall, David is collecting soccer equipment and forearm crutches and cannot wait to greet the Haitian national soccer team when they arrive in Texas.

The final selection of the Haiti national amputee soccer team includes three victims of January’s catastrophic earthquake,” said Dr. Sorrells, Founder and President of IIOS. “The opportunity to participate on the national amputee soccer team is incredibly therapeutic, especially for the recent amputees.”

"You Guys Are Good to Go" - July 29, 2010

The newly formed Haiti amputee soccer team is going to the World Cup of Amputee Soccer!

On July 29, the new Haiti amputee football program received a great boost when Rick Hofmann, General Secretary for the World Amputee Football Federation wrote, “The Executive Committee is willing to allow Haiti to play. So you guys are good to go.” Therefore, Haiti has been officially accepted to participate in the upcoming World Cup of Amputee Football.

The World Amputee Football Federation will oversee the World Cup in Crespo, Argentina, in October. Beginning with an Opening Ceremony on October 16, the contest will run through October 27 and will determine the winning nation for the World Cup of Amputee Soccer. For an overview of the game of Amputee Soccer, visit http://www.worldamputeefootball.com/rules_i.htm.

Dr. Fred Sorrells helped to form the Haiti Amputee Football Association, and under association guidance, amputees were invited to participate in a try-out session for the national team.

On the right, Dr. Sorrells reports on the formation of the Haiti amputee football team. Click on the image to view the video report.

Now that the Haiti national amputee soccer team has been invited to participate, the real work begins. Many players lost all their identify documents in the earthquake. The passport process in now even more complicated and expensive. Funds are needed for the passport and visa fees as well as a training camp in Haiti for the amputee players. Airline tickets must be purchased for the flight from Port-au-Prince to Crespo, Argentina. Please consider making a generous donation to this very worthwhile cause.

Haitian Amputee Football (Soccer) Practice Slideshow
June 25, 2010

A new Haitian football (soccer) team practiced in Port-au-Prince on June 25, 2010. See the article below for more about the team.

Amputee Soccer Introduced to HaitiJune, 2010

Amputee Soccer has been described as the greatest one-legged game in the World! It began as a rehab and strengthening activity in the 1980's. However, those who played it found it was great as a real sport outside the rehab setting. Amputee Soccer soon spread from local fields and arenas to become a global sport with its own World Cup. The next World Cup of Amputee Soccer will be held in Argentina this October.

The international game is 6 v 6 + keeper, but there are enough variations in the game to allow local teams to play with as few as 3 v 3 with or without keeper.

Amputee Soccer is international and involves Russian and other Eastern European veterans of Afghanistan, West African combat survivors and even Middle Eastern players. Most recently this amazing sport was introduced in Haiti – to help amputee survivors of the fifth worst earthquake in human history.

Amputee soccer’s introduction to Haiti came in an unusual way. IIOS President Dr. Fred Sorrells noticed the large number of amputees during his visits to hospital wards following the January 12 earthquake. Children, teens and adults were all affected.

Many had played soccer prior to the earthquake. It became apparent that Amputee Soccer could relieve trauma, provide rehab activity, and help amputees re-integrate into society.

When Dr. Sorrells returned from his third trip to Haiti in April, he discovered that the Haiti National Soccer Team was in San Antonio, Texas - hosted by the San Antonio Sports and housed at T Bar M Ranch.

Dr. Sorrells made his way to T Bar M Ranch and shared his vision of amputee soccer with team captain Pierre Richard Bruny, pictured at right with Dr. Sorrells, and with other members of the team.

Pierre Bruny agreed to help launch the amputee soccer program in Haiti. When Dr. Sorrells returned to Haiti in June, true to his word Pierre became the driving force behind efforts to introduce the greatest one-legged game in the World!

Amputee Soccer is an excellent rehabilitation activity, so Pierre Bruny and his associates have started visiting rehab programs in Port-au-Prince to encourage them to participate in the sport.
Pictured right, Pierre visits with two earthquake related amputees as they await their physical therapy session.

Dr. Sorrells worked with Pierre and his associates to teach the fundamentals of the game to interested amputees.

Amputees from Port-au-Prince gather for an amputee soccer training session. Click here for a slide show that will give you an idea of the exciting action found in an amputee soccer match.

Dr. Fred Sorrells is the USA Amputee Soccer Association representative for San Antonio and Central Texas. Please contact him if you live in this region and are interested in joining a team or need more information. Email: fred@iisport.org